Photoelectric conversion apparatus and image pick-up system using the photoelectric conversion apparatus

ABSTRACT

A primary object of the present invention is to provide a photoelectric conversion apparatus with less leak current in a floating diffusion region. In order to obtain the above object, a photoelectric conversion apparatus according to the present invention includes a photo diode for converting light into a signal charge, a first semiconductor region having a first conductivity type, a floating diffusion region formed from a second semiconductor region having a second conductivity type for converting the signal charge generated by the photo diode into a signal voltage, the second semiconductor region being formed in the first semiconductor region, and an electrode formed above the first semiconductor region through an insulating film and having an effect of increasing a concentration of majority carriers in the first semiconductor region, in which the electrode is not formed above a depletion region formed from the second semiconductor region.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a photoelectric conversion apparatus and an amplification solid state image pick-up apparatus and system using the same. In particular, the invention relates to a photoelectric conversion apparatus, and an image pick-up apparatus and system such as a digital camera, a video camera, a copying machine, or a facsimile machine.

2. Related Background Art

An image sensor has been installed in many kinds of apparatuses such as a digital camera, a video camera, a copying machine, and a facsimile machine, where solid state image pick-up devices including photoelectric conversion devices are arranged in a one- or two-dimensional array. Examples of the solid state image pick-up device include a CCD image pick-up device and an amplification solid state image pick-up device.

There is a growing tendency to increase the number of pixels in those image pick-up devices. As an area per pixel reduces, a photo diode area accordingly tends to be smaller. Thus, there arise a need to process a smaller quantity of signal charge and a need to lessen a leak current that may result in a noise component.

FIG. 4 shows a circuit configuration example of an amplification solid state image pick-up device. The amplification solid state image pick-up device includes at least in a unit pixel: a photo diode; and an amplifying transistor that amplifies light signals accumulated in the photo diode. The unit pixels are arranged in a two-dimensional array.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a pixel structure in a unit cell in a conventional amplification MOS sensor. In FIG. 5, reference numeral 2101 denotes a photo diode for photoelectric conversion; 2102, a reset transistor for resetting the photo diode 2101 and a floating diffusion (FD) region 2106; 2103, a transfer MOS transistor for transferring (reading out) signal charges in the photo diode 2101; 2104, a source follower amplifier for converting the transferred (read-out) charges into a voltage, with its gate electrode connected to the FD region 2106; and 2105, a row selection MOS transistor that connects an output of the source follower amplifier to a signal line.

In this layout, the FD region 2106 is constituted of an L-shaped diffusion layer in order to minimize its capacitance value C_(FD) for improving a charge-voltage conversion efficiency. Such a structure is disclosed in JP 2002-190586 A. Also, a depletion layer region 2208 is formed between the FD region 2106 constituted of an n+layer and a p-type substrate. FIG. 6 is a plan view of a unit cell of a solid state image pick-up device disclosed in JP H10-150182 A. In a structure shown in FIG. 6, gate wirings 23 and 24 of a readout transistor are not arranged close to a drain 25 of the readout transistor.

The transfer MOS transistor 2103 of the transistors in FIG. 5 is an NMOS transistor and a gate electrode is formed of a material including N-type polycrystalline silicon.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line 7-7 of FIG. 5. In FIG. 7, reference numeral 2201 denotes an N-type silicon substrate; 2202, a P-type well; 2203, a P⁺ type channel stop layer that is formed below a local-oxidation-of-silicon (LOCOS) oxide film 2204 in a self-alignment manner; 2205, an N⁺ type diffusion layer that constitutes part of the FD region 2106; 2206, a gate electrode that is formed of high-concentration N-type polysilicon or silicide thereof; and 2207, a gate insulating film of the transfer MOS transistor 2103.

Next, a circuit operation is explained with reference to a circuit diagram of FIG. 8 and a timing chart of FIG. 9.

A circuit operation is shifted from a state where the reset MOS transistor 2102 is turned ON to a state where the transfer MOS transistor 2103 is turned ON for resetting the photo diode 2101 of FIG. 8. After that, the transfer MOS transistor 2103 is turned OFF to reset the photo diode 2101. The photo diode in the reset state is then put into a charge accumulating state. After the elapse of a certain accumulation period, the reset MOS transistor 2102 is turned OFF and the row selection MOS transistor 2105 is turned ON. Thus, the source follower amplifier 2104 is activated. In such a state, a voltage value of a vertical output line 2108 at the time of resetting the FD region 2106 is input (written) to a noise readout storage capacitor (Ctn) 2107 by turning ON a transfer transistor 2109. Then, the transfer transistor 2109 is turned OFF. Note that a time chart of “VFD” in FIG. 9 schematically shows a voltage value change of the floating diffusion (FD) region 2106.

Next, the transfer MOS transistor 2103 is turned ON again to thereby transfer signal charges in the photo diode 2101 to the FD region 2106. With this transfer, a potential change corresponding to the transferred signal charges appears in the time chart of “VFD”. In such a state, a voltage value of the vertical output line 2108 at the time of transferring the signal charges-to the FD region 2106 is input (written) to a signal readout storage capacitor (Cts) 2110 by turning ON a transfer transistor 2111. Then, the transfer transistor 2111 is turned OFF.

After that, a differential amplifier etc. (not shown) are used for generating a voltage corresponding to a difference between the output charge of the storage capacitor Cts and that of the storage capacitor Ctn. This makes it possible to eliminate a noise generated at the reset time of the reset MOS transistor 2102 of the pixel or variation in threshold voltage of the source follower amplifier 2104.

Here, in a layout portion as shown in a region “b” of FIG. 7 where the N⁺ type FD region 2205 and the P⁺ type channel stop layer 2203 are formed close to each other and in addition, the N⁺ type poly-Si electrode overlies the P⁺ type channel stop layer 2203, a leak current is more likely to flow between the FD region and the substrate. If the leak current is generated in this portion, as indicated by the dotted line in the time chart of “VFD” of FIG. 9, the voltage of the FD region changes. As a result, the voltage values input (written) to the storage. capacitors Ctn and Cts are different from original ones, leading to a deteriorated image quality.

Regarding JP H10-150182 A, this publication has no description about an influence that may be exerted on how the depletion layer spreads by a concentration of a semiconductor layer close to the drain 25 or a concentration of a semiconductor region just below the gate wirings 23, 24 except a channel formation region, or a work function of a material for each gate wiring. In a structure of FIG. 6, when a difference in work function between the gate electrode and the semiconductor region just below the gate wirings 23, 24 except the channel formation region takes a positive value or zero, the use of a structure of the present invention provides not noticeable but substantial advantage at least rather than the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a photoelectric conversion apparatus with less leak current in a floating diffusion region.

In order to attain the above-mentioned object, a photoelectric conversion apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes:

-   -   a photo diode for converting light into a signal charge;     -   a first semiconductor region having a first conductivity type;     -   a floating diffusion region formed from a second semiconductor         region having a second conductivity type for converting the         signal charge generated by the photo diode into a signal         voltage, the second semiconductor region being formed in the         first semiconductor region; and     -   an electrode formed above the first semiconductor region through         an insulating film, wherein the electrode is not formed above a         depletion region formed from the second semiconductor region.

A photoelectric conversion apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes:

-   -   a first semiconductor region having a first semiconductor         conductivity type;     -   a second semiconductor region having a second semiconductor         conductivity type;     -   a photo diode obtained by forming the second semiconductor         region in the first semiconductor region;     -   a third semiconductor region having the second conductivity         type;     -   a MOS transistor formed in the first semiconductor region and         having source/drain regions one of which is connected to the         photo diode and the other of which includes the third         semiconductor region that constitutes part of a region used for         converting a signal charge generated by the photo diode into a         signal voltage; and     -   a fourth semiconductor region having the first conductivity type         and constituting part of a semiconductor region formed just         below a gate electrode of the MOS transistor through an         insulating film, the fourth semiconductor region not being         involved in channel formation, and the gate electrode and the         fourth semiconductor region having a work function difference         whose value is negative,     -   wherein an end of a depletion layer constituted of the third         semiconductor region contacts the fourth semiconductor region         approximately at a point.

The present invention can provide a photoelectric conversion apparatus capable of reducing a leak current in a floating diffusion region with a high S/N ratio, and a solid state image pick-up apparatus using the same.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a photoelectric conversion apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line A-B-C-D of FIG. 1, which shows the photoelectric conversion apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a structure of an image pick-up apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a circuit configuration example of an amplification solid state image pick-up device;

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a conventional photoelectric conversion apparatus;

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing another conventional photoelectric conversion apparatus;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line 7-7 of FIG. 5, which shows the conventional photoelectric conversion apparatus;

FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram showing an equivalent circuit of a photoelectric conversion apparatus; and

FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing operations of a photoelectric conversion apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, best modes for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Embodiment 1

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a photoelectric conversion apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a photo diode for photoelectrical conversion; 102, a reset transistor for resetting the photo diode 101 and a floating diffusion (FD) region 106; 103, a transfer MOS transistor for transferring (reading out) signal charges in the photo diode 101; 104, a source follower amplifier for converting the transferred (read-out) charges into a voltage, which has a gate electrode connected to the FD region 106; and 105, a row selection MOS transistor that connects an output of the source follower amplifier to a signal line.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line A-B-C-D of FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes an N-type silicon substrate; 202, a P-type well; 203, a P⁺ type channel stop layer formed below a local-oxidation-of-silicon (LOCOS) oxide film 204 in a self-alignment manner; 205, an N⁺ type diffusion layer that forms part of the FD region 106; and 206, a gate electrode. The gate electrode 206 is formed of high-concentration N-type polysilicon or silicide thereof. The use of such a material produces such an effect that a gate portion of the transfer MOS transistor 103 increases a threshold voltage of the transistor with respect to the P-type well 202 according to a work function difference. Accordingly, a concentration of portions below the transfer gate is effectively increased to thereby-achieve an effect of suppressing a dark current flowing in the photo diode from the portion below the gate electrode during the charge accumulation.

Reference numeral 207 denotes a gate insulating film of the transfer MOS transistor 103.

Reference numeral 208 denotes a depletion layer constituted of the N⁺ type diffusion layer 205 forming the FD region, the P-type well 202, and the P⁺ type channel stop layer.

Conventional ones involve a layout portion as shown in a region “b” of FIG. 7 where an N⁺ type FD region 2205 and a P⁺ type channel stop layer 2203 are formed close to each other and in addition, an N⁺ type poly-Si electrode is formed above the P⁺ type channel stop layer 2203. In contrast, the present invention involves such a layout portion only at a point E of FIG. 1, which significantly reduces the risk of generating a leak current between the FD region and the substrate.

In FIG. 7, a mechanism of generating a leak current in the region “b” is as follows. First, in a portion where the FD region 2205 as the high-concentration N⁺ type layer and the channel stop layer 2203 as the P⁺ type layer are formed close to each other, as for a voltage in the FD region 2205, during an operation of reading out signals, a PN junction is reversely biased in terms of operation since a positive voltage is applied to the P-type well 2202. Also, the region “b” includes a gate electrode 2206 made of N⁺ type polysilicon and formed across a LOCOS oxide film from a P-type channel stop layer 2203. The gate electrode 2206 and the P-type channel stop layer 2203 have a difference in work function therebetween. Therefore, even if the gate electrode 2206 and the P-type well 2202 have the same potential, the channel stop layer 2203 effectively increases a concentration of majority carriers by the work function difference, thereby changing its conductivity type to P⁺. As a result, the region “b” in a depletion layer 2208 formed between the FD region 2205 and the P-type well 2202 has the depletion layer width smaller than that of a region “c” not including the gate electrode 2206 (d1<d2). A high electric field is applied between the N⁺ type diffusion layer 2205 and the P⁺ type channel stop layer 2203 to easily generate a leak current.

That is, it can be concluded that when any material is laid out near a depletion layer, which effectively increases a concentration of majority carriers of a semiconductor region having an opposite conductivity type that forms a junction with the FD region to constitute the depletion layer, a leak current is apt to flow. For example, in the case of using, on the assumption that the FD region is formed of N-type silicon, N-type polysilicon or aluminum as a material having such a work function that causes majority carriers of a P-type region to effectively increase their concentration, and conversely in the case of using, on the assumption that the FD region is formed of P-type silicon, P-type polysilicon as a material having such a work function that causes majority carriers of an N-type region to effectively increase their concentration, a leak current is easily generated. Thus, in these cases, as shown in FIG. 1, it is more preferable to adopt a layout where the depletion layer of the FD region contacts the P⁺ type channel stop layer with the smallest area (at a point).

Also, this phenomenon essentially occurs when a concentration of the majority carriers in the semiconductor region having an opposite conductivity type that forms the junction with the FD region to constitute the depletion layer is effectively increased as mentioned above. Therefore, for example, when a gate electrode potential of the transfer MOS transistor 103 close to the FD region or a gate potential of the reset MOS transistor 102 is negative one, a leak current is easily generated irrespective of a gate electrode material. Also, regardless of the gate electrodes of the transfer MOS transistor 103 and reset MOS transistor 102 which define the FD region, in the case of forming (laying out) in the FD region above the depletion layer region, a material that effectively increases a concentration of majority carriers in the semiconductor region having an opposite conductivity type to that of the FD region or an electrode having a potential that effectively increases the concentration of the same, the depletion layer width is shortened, leading to generation of a high electric field and increase in leak current in the FD region. Therefore, although not shown, even if no channel stop layer is formed, it is necessary not to form the electrode directly above the depletion layer derived from the FD region in arranging the above electrode. More specifically, the electrode needs to be formed 0.1 to 0.5 μm, preferably 0.2 to 0.4 μm apart from the FD region.

Further, it is unclear from FIG. 6 in JP H10-150182 A how a voltage is applied to a drain 25 of a readout transistor corresponding to an FD region during its operation or how an electrode material and substrate material affect the depletion layer. In the case where the material or voltage condition has an effect of weakening an electric field of the depletion layer, the use of the structure shown in FIG. 2 provides not noticeable but substantial advantage at least rather than the prior art.

Embodiment 2

FIG. 3 shows a system configuration of an image pick-up apparatus using the photoelectric conversion apparatus of the above embodiment, as an image pick-up apparatus according to the present invention. In FIG. 3, an image pick-up apparatus includes: a barrier 1 serving as both a protector of a lens and a main switch thereof; a lens 2 for focusing an optical image of an object on a solid state image pick-up device 4; a diaphragm 3 for adjusting a quantity of light having passed through the lens 2; the solid state image pick-up device 4 (corresponding to the photoelectric conversion apparatus as described in the above embodiment) for taking in the formed object image through the lens 2 as an image signal; a circuit 5 processing image pick-up signal for effecting various types of correction or clamping on the image signal output from the solid state image pick-up device 4; an A/D converter 6 for effecting analog-digital conversion on the image signal output from the solid state image pick-up device 4; a signal processor 7 for effecting various types of correction or data compression on image data output from the A/D converter 6; and a timing generator 8 for outputting various timing signals to the solid state image pick-up device 4, the circuit 5 processing image pick-up signal, the A/D converter 6, and the signal processor 7. Note that the solid stage image pick-up device 4 and each of the circuit processing image pick-up device 5, the A/D converter 6, the signal processor 7, and the timing generator 8 may be mounted on the same chip. A solid state image pick-up system is configured by an arithmetic operation unit controlling whole 9 for performing various arithmetic operations and controlling whole still video camera; a memory 10 for temporarily storing image data; an interface (I/F) controlling recording medium 11 for recording or reading out data on/from a recording medium; a removably insertable recording medium 12 for recording or reading out image data, such as a semiconductor memory; and an external interface (I/F) 13 for making communication with an external computer etc.

Next, explanation is given of an operation of the system shown in FIG. 3. Upon opening the barrier 1, a main power is turned ON and then a control system is powered on. Further, an image pick-up system circuit including the A/D converter 6 is powered on. Subsequently, the arithmetic operation unit controlling whole 9 opens the diaphragm 3 for controlling an exposure amount and signals output from the solid state image pick-up device 4 directly pass through the circuit 5 processing image pick-up signal to be output to the A/D converter 6. The A/D converter 6 effects A/D conversion on the signals to be output to the signal processor 7. The signal processor 7 calculates the exposure amount based on the input data with the arithmetic operation unit controlling whole 9.

Lightness is judged based on results of the exposure metering and the arithmetic operation unit controlling whole 9 controls the diaphragm according to the judgment result. Next, a high-frequency component is extracted based on signals output from the solid state image pick-up device 4 and the arithmetic operation unit controlling whole 9 calculates a distance to an object. After that, the lens 2 is driven to judge whether or not focusing is obtained. If judged not focused, the lens 2 is driven again to measure a distance to the object.

Then, after focusing is confirmed, the main exposure starts. After the completion of the exposure, the image signals output from the solid state image pick-up device 4 undergo correction etc. with the circuit 5 processing image pick-up signal and A/D conversion with the A/D converter 6, and then pass through the signal processor 7 to be stored in the memory 10 with the arithmetic operation unit controlling whole 9. After that, data stored in the memory 10 is recorded on the removably insertable recording medium 12 such as a semiconductor memory through the I/F controlling recording medium 11 under the control of the arithmetic operation unit controlling whole 9. Also, the data may be directly input to a computer etc. through the external I/F 13 for image processing.

The present invention can be used for taking an image.

This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-380090 filed on Nov. 10, 2003, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 

1. A photoelectric conversion apparatus, comprising: a photo diode for converting light into a signal charge; a first semiconductor region having a first conductivity type; a floating diffusion region formed from a second semiconductor region having a second conductivity type for converting the signal charge generated by the photo diode into a signal voltage, the second semiconductor region being formed in the first semiconductor region; and an electrode formed above the first semiconductor region through an insulating film and having an effect of increasing a concentration of majority carriers in the first semiconductor region, wherein the electrode is not formed above a depletion region formed from the second semiconductor region.
 2. The photoelectric conversion apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electrode has an effect of increasing a concentration of majority carriers in the first semiconductor region.
 3. A photoelectric conversion apparatus group, comprising a plurality of the photoelectric conversion-apparatuses according to claim 1, which are arranged in one of one-dimensional array or two-dimensional array.
 4. A photoelectric conversion apparatus, comprising: a transfer transistor having source/drain regions; a channel stop layer formed below the source/drain regions; a floating diffusion region; and a depletion layer formed around the floating diffusion layer, the channel stop layer only contacting the depletion layer approximately at a point.
 5. A photoelectric conversion apparatus, comprising: a first semiconductor region having a first semiconductor conductivity type; a second semiconductor region having a second semiconductor conductivity type; a photo diode obtained by forming the second semiconductor region in the first semiconductor region; a third semiconductor region having the second conductivity type; a MOS transistor formed in the first semiconductor region and having source/drain regions one of which is connected to the photo diode and the other of which comprises the third semiconductor region that constitutes part of a region used for converting a signal charge generated by the photo diode into a signal voltage; and a fourth semiconductor region having the first conductivity type and constituting part of a semiconductor region formed just below a gate electrode of the MOS transistor through an insulating film, the fourth semiconductor region not being involved in channel formation, and the gate electrode and the fourth semiconductor region having a work function difference whose value is negative, wherein an end of a depletion layer constituted of the third semiconductor region contacts the fourth semiconductor region approximately at a point.
 6. A photoelectric conversion apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the gate electrode is formed of a material including N-type polysilicon and a conductivity type of the fourth semiconductor region is P-type.
 7. A photoelectric conversion apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the gate electrode has a potential that induces an increase in concentration of majority carriers in the fourth semiconductor region when the photo diode is put in an accumulation state.
 8. A photoelectric conversion apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the gate electrode has a negative potential and a conductivity type of the fourth semiconductor region is P-type.
 9. A photoelectric conversion apparatus group, comprising a plurality of the photoelectric conversion apparatuses according to claim 5, which are arranged in one of one-dimensional array or two-dimensional array.
 10. An image pick-up system, comprising: the photoelectric conversion apparatus according to claim 1 or 5; a lens for focusing an image on the photoelectric conversion apparatus; and means for storing an image signal from the photoelectric conversion apparatus. 